Speaking to a Cary Rotary Club Tuesday, Gov. Bev Perdue suggested suspending congressional elections for two years so that Congress can focus on economic recovery and not the next election.

"I think we ought to suspend, perhaps, elections for Congress for two years and just tell them we won't hold it against them, whatever decisions they make, to just let them help this country recover."

The comment - which came during a discussion of the economy - perked more than a few ears. It's unclear whether Perdue, a Democrat, is serious, but her tone was level and she asked others to support her on the idea.

Later Tuesday afternoon, Perdue's office clarified the remarks:

"Come on," said spokeswoman Chris Mackey in a statement. "Gov. Perdue was obviously using hyperbole to highlight what we can all agree is a serious problem: Washington politicians who focus on their own election instead of what's best for the people they serve."

The Republicans are taking it seriously as they look to score political points. Said GOP spokesman Rob Lockwood:

"Now is a time when politicians need to be held accountable more than ever. To suspend an election would be removing the surest mechanism that people have to hold politicians accountable: the right to vote. Does the Governor not believe that people of North Carolina have the ability to think for themselves about whether or not the actions of elected officials are working?"

GOP House candidate Paul Coble didn't think much of Perdue's idea.

"That's a proposal that only the politicians that have worsened our economic mess could appreciate," said Coble, who is chairman of the Wake County commissioners. "Governor Perdue and the politicians in Washington may fear the message voters send next November."